My Name Is Not Ed Tung

Coming as it does from his grandfather, great-uncle, aunt, and grandmother, the name Edimorwhitimormiligimmus Tug is, to this picture book’s pale-skinned protagonist, “perfect.” When a new child joins the youth’s racially diverse class, though, teacher Ms. Mell uses the opportunity to shorten the child’s lengthy name, writing “Ed” on a name tag and citing: “We don’t want our names to be difficult for the new student, do we? It will be easier for all of us if you just go by Ed.” While he’s initially dismayed over the change (“He felt like his heart had been stung by a giant bee. Twice”), Edimorwhitimormiligimmus Tug employs seven name tags to do the job right, and tells the classmates about his family to help them remember. Though lines about the protagonist bearing the responsibility of gaining respect for his name somewhat undercut the book’s message of acceptance, Nielander employs an aptly shifting color palette that reflects the pain of being asked to change and the joy of being properly acknowledged. Ages 5–8. (Oct.)